WALTIC

WALTIC, the Writers’ and Literary Translators’ International Congress, titled "The Value of Words", is a bi-annual international literary congress founded and owned by The Swedish Writers’ Union. Having its premier launch in Stockholm between 29 June and 2 July 2008, WALTIC’s aim and thematic scope is divided in accordance to three key elements: Increase literacy, Safeguard freedom of expression, and Strengthen authors’ rights.

WALTIC logotype.
The WALTIC logotype.

Chairman of The Swedish Writers' Union and President of WALTIC 2008: Mats Söderlund. Program Committee: Gabriella Håkansson and Henrik C. Enbohm. WALTIC 2008 honorary guest was poet Tomas Tranströmer. "I am glad to participate in the WALTIC congress because it is devoted to democracy, and the act of reading is a very good example of pure democracy in action," said writer Philip Pullman when asked about his participation in the 2008 congress.

Speakers

WALTIC 2008 keynote speakers were Mia Couto and Nawal El-Saadawi.

Among the invited speakers present included:

WALTIC Resolution

During WALTIC 2008 a resolution was adopted stating that: "Literature is a source of knowledge with the strength to empower entire populations", hence underlining that "Literacy, freedom of expression and authors' rights are keys to the never-ending pursuit of truth, for the development of societies based on democratic and humanitarian values as well as for the individual aspiring to express his or her unique knowledge and experience", and moreover, that "Increasing literacy is essential to improvement of welfare and democratic processes, and to the safeguarding of human rights." The resolution also noted that "Safeguarding freedom of expression makes it possible for both the ordinary citizen and decision makers to better understand the world around them and thus to make informed decisions".[1]

References
  1. (The WALTIC Resolution can be read in full at www.waltic.com)
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